Jackie Nagel, Synnovatia 
Starting a business requires trade offs — particularly in the early stage of business development.
There’s a give-and-take between that which is comfortable and that which is awkward, annoying, and downright tortuous to put into action. Like a tug of war, it’s the unspoken agreement we make with business startup success.
High performance and work/life balance are two terms deemed by many so-called experts to be at odds with each other. I mean, really!
In fact, if you were to poll small business owners, you would discover that many believe high performance/achievement is synonymous with long hours, dedication, missed recitals, meals eaten on the go, exhaustion, lack of sleep…and stress! Let’s not forget stress.
We all have “those” folders on our digital devices. You know the ones I’m referring to? The folders we use to organize our rapid growing number of apps…
Ah, yes — those!
Any ambitious, results-driven small business owner knows the challenge that comes from being mired down in a process.
Whether it involves clarifying one’s brand, narrating the company’s core story, or articulating the benefits of your service, working to completion on business development projects such as these, can feel as if you’re walking through quicksand.
Not only do I love business, I love learning about business from others and for others, primarily my small business clients. Continually striving to improve — personally and professionally — is built into my DNA and those with whom I work. Which is why, during my recent journey, I made a delightful discovery.
One aspect of business coaching that most small business owners enjoy is the collaboration between themselves and an objective bystander that results in “new and/or different results.” (Without that desired outcome, what is the point in investing resources in coaching?)
It’s not uncommon for a small business entrepreneur to be bedfellows with the kind of fatigue that rakes your body as you succumb to the mental exhaustion of a day riddled with decision and distractions.
Certainty for a small business entrepreneur is essential. Without it, resources are wasted. Time is frittered away on busy work. Procrastination is a constant companion. And, confidence in one’s ability to achieve success easily erodes.